title: Evaluation of health services received by homeless families in Leicester.
abstract: This paper reports on a survey of homeless families in 11 hostels in Leicester that aimed to inform improved services for them. Of 167 families, 49 agreed to participate. Health was important to the families, and respondents had mixed experiences of attitudes from healthcare staff. Some reported very supportive attitudes, while a small number perceived rude or unhelpful behaviour. While families had a high opinion of their health visitor, one-third did not know how to contact the service and 40% (n = 21) did not know where their local children's centre or Sure Start was. When asked about difficulties accessing health care, not being listened to and not having the time to explain themselves were the two most frequently cited problems. When asked what they would like from their healthcare, 84% (n = 41) wanted same-day appointments, though only 35% (n = 17) had this facility. Flexible services and drop-in services were the next most frequently desired services. From the survey, recommendations have been developed that will guide the service over the coming year.
authors.affiliation: Leicester City Community Health Service, NHS Leicester City. maxine.jenkins@lcchs.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Maxine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Parylo
mesh_terms: D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D057220:Health Literacy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009731:Nursing Audit; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D058996:Quality Improvement; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration